It is doubtful that you will find a business today that does not operate on a wireless network. Nearly everyone utilises and loves WiFi for its accessibility and flexibility. With an increase in use comes a greater probability of cyber-attacks, though. These types of networks are often targeted for the same reason they are so loved: easy access.
Attackers need to be within close enough proximity to gain access and control of your unprotected wireless network. It might have been created to provide an easier connection for users but resulted in a weakened security system instead. Sometimes, a user might not have malicious intent, but their actions can cause damage to the strength of your network. These common threats can easily lead to serious security breaches and potential data loss’
Tricking a wireless device to connect with a fake access point.
someone might listen in on your conversations in the hopes of hearing private information like login details.
mimicking an access point to auto-connect with device users.
if your network is incorrectly configured, it can create vulnerable entry points.
criminals break into stolen or lost machines to gain access to servers.
piggybacking your network to gain entry for free (even if not with malicious intent).
sending large quantities of viruses to overwhelm the network.
You can use a few methods to protect your wireless network from hackers trying to break in. Here are three different techniques you might try:
Every device has a Media Access Control (MAC) identifier, uniquely assigned by the manufacturer. You must configure the wireless access points in your network to accept communication connectivity from specific MAC addresses. It is a more robust security preventative measure since you can strictly limit which devices are allowed. However, it is challenging for larger companies or where devices frequently change, like in a hotel or cafe. Also, hackers can mimic MAC addresses.
Service Set Identifier (SSID) is an identity that every wireless network has and is broadcast to wireless devices within the immediate area. This is the name you see when searching up WiFI networks to connect to. One potential security technique is to turn off this broadcast so no one can recognise the name of your network. It makes it more difficult for approved users to connect to your network, though they’ll need its name beforehand. This technique is mainly preferred for small offices to protect their SSID from nearby users. Large companies and hotels will struggle when using a complicated or hidden name for their public network. It’s not a very secure or recommended option.
You can choose to protect your network with either a Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) or Wireless Protected Access (WPA) encryption. WEP was the original encryption protocol but is now considered outdated because it is easily hacked. The modern security protocol is the WPA and is recommended for all networks to stay updated. WPA is even starting to get old, though, as we move towards WPA2 and WPA3 encryptions.
Here are ten tips to help you get started with securing your WLAN and protecting your network. Follow them for a safer and more reliable wireless network experience.
Check all of your new equipment to see if it fulfills the wireless networking standards. It needs to be compatible with your tech, so there’s no potential issues later on.
Use WiFI encryption, broadcast SSID, and MAC address restrictions in all of your new equipment. Remember to double-check your settings, so you don’t accidentally expose the entire network to cyberattacks.
Don’t just stick with basic machines and old security protocols like the Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP). Always opt for upgraded devices with WiFi-protected access protocols like WPA since they’re current and more secure.
Most likely, all of your employees will have access to your WiFI network while in your office space. However, it is best to limit the number of employees who have administrative access and the power to change features or authorisations. Even a single access point is capable of bringing down the entire network if it’s weakened. Less authorised users mean there is less chance of mistakes happening and putting your data at risk.
Using a Virtual Protective Network (VPN) can help hide your devices and network from anyone with malicious intent. It will protect your transferred data and keep you secure while using online features. It would be best if you also considered separating your WLAN from your network with firewalls. Installing them will help significantly in improving your network security.
Don’t leave any of your network devices out in the open where anyone can access them and hit the reset button. Keep them under lock and key, preferably somewhere with a security camera so you can continuously monitor them. Also, remember to keep it away from the outside wall to avoid radio signal leakage.
You can’t hope to protect your network if you’re running on outdated software. Whenever an application finds a flaw in its system, it will require an update to fix the bug. Make sure your entire office regularly allows your devices to update to the most recent software and protections.
You should always stay on top of your wireless network and monitor who has access to it. You can set up controls to limit incoming and outgoing content as well.
If you need additional help with securing your wireless network, turn to professionals. You can find qualified IT specialists or third-party companies to help you set up a robust infrastructure and monitor your network 24/7.
Don’t relax just because you’ve followed these ten tips! Cybersecurity is never over, as it requires constant monitoring and managing to stay ahead of criminals. Stay alert and be proactive when you see something suspicious on your network.
You have to secure your systems to protect your business from attacks. Follow these ten simple tips to strengthen your cybersecurity and improve your wireless network’s defences.
If you like the sound of the ‘hands-off’ experience and having your IT and Cybersecurity taken care of by highly trained professionals, we would love to hear from you. Call our friendly team of experts on 0345 314 2001 for a relaxed chat about how we can make all this happen for you.
Alternatively, feel free to email us from our contact page here.
Our team is ready and waiting to help in any way they can.
IT Managed Services London Comprehensive Guide In today’s competitive business environment, having a reliable IT infrastructure is essential for success. Managed IT services are becoming
IT Infrastructure Solutions: A Comprehensive Guide for Modern Businesses In today’s digital era, businesses rely on advanced IT infrastructure solutions to stay competitive, secure, and
IT Support Essex: Best Practices for Data Backup and Recovery In today’s digital world, data is the lifeblood of any organization. As a business owner
Why Your Essex Business Needs IT Support Now More Than Ever In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, businesses in Essex need reliable IT Support Services
Embracing Cloud Services AWS, Azure, and More for Essex Companies Welcome to the exciting world of cloud services! The very fact that you’re reading this
IT Support Essex: How to Tackle Data Breaches and Cybersecurity Incidents In today’s digital world, businesses in Essex face an ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats.
Remote Work and IT Support: How Essex Companies Are Adapting The global pandemic has significantly changed the way businesses operate, with remote work becoming the
The Future of IT Support in Essex: Trends to Watch As we hurtle headlong into the digital age, it’s clear that technology will play an
Choosing the Right IT Support Company in Essex for Your Business Ah, the joys of running a business in Essex! The rolling countryside, the charming
A Comprehensive Guide to IT Support in Essex for Small Businesses Running a small business is like being a circus ringmaster. You’re juggling countless tasks,
Top 10 Tips for Choosing the Best IT Support Partner in Essex Once upon a time, in the land of Essex, a business owner was
IT Support Essex: Top IT Infrastructure Challenges and Solutions capabilities and cursing its complexity. But fear not, fellow tech enthusiasts, for we at Teck Genius
Understanding IT Support Services for Essex’s Education Sector Let’s paint a picture, shall we? You’re an educational institution in sunny Essex, and you’ve got a
Office 365 and Microsoft 365 Solutions: Boosting Productivity for Essex Businesses Ah, the digital age – a time when we’re surrounded by so many fantastic
Leveraging Cloud Solutions for Business Success in Essex In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, businesses in Essex need to stay ahead of the curve to remain
Expert IT Consultancy Services in Essex: Unlocking Your Business Potential In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, businesses across all industries face the constant challenge of staying
Comments are closed.